COLORAMA

Even though Wisconsin's summer was filled with record breaking temperatures and devastating drought, it is believed that Wisconsin will still have a color-filled fall. According to Danielle Johnson, spokesperson for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, northern Wisconsin received enough rain this summer to make for a, "good colorama year." In southern Wisconsin, this may not necessarily be the case. Due to high temperatures and the drought that much of southern Wisconsin suffered, many trees, especially those in low areas, are stressed because of the extreme summer conditions seen this year. Due to the lack of sunlight and water, many trees in low areas such as roadsides and ditches are already experiencing color change because of shortened days now that September is here. Because of this, these trees in particular have started storing food, and thus, are changing colors early. Jason Quast, assistant forest superintendent at the Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit believes that the vibrancy of colors on the leaves in southern Wisconsin will be affected from this summer's weather. Not only did the extreme heat and drought take a heavy toll on farmers this summer, the trees are clearly suffering too; which we are paying for with apple prices that are much higher than usual. With Wisconsin being well-known for its beauty during the fall, it will be interesting to see if the trees have the same color and beauty that they usually bring during fall in the weeks to come. I am from Germantown, Wisconsin (southeastern Wisconsin) and have always loved going to Holy Hill Cafe during the fall to look at the beautiful leaves so it will be interesting to see over Thanksgiving break how things have changed. Holy Hill is a popular tourist attraction during the fall, so hopefully the leaves can show the same beauty that they usually do, even with the heat and drought that has affected them.

Beautiful trees on Pike Lake near Hartford Wisconsin- 2003. 

For more information, please visit this article:
Despite Drought, Wisconsin Expects Colorama

Also, for more information on where to find the most colorful maples, oaks and aspen trees this year, visit the Kettle Moraine State Forest Website.